Author: Guus Kuijer
Title: The Book of Everything
Publication Info: Arthur A. Levine Books (2006)
ISBN: 0439749182
Summary/Review:
This short book is a brutally honest work of young adult literature set in Amsterdam a few years after the liberation and end of World War II. Thomas only wishes to be happy but has to deal with his fundamentalist and abusive father. The book is colored by magical realism and a touch of surrealism as Thomas is aided by witches, calls down the plagues of Egypt, and converses with a lonely Jesus. A powerful and touching book that touches on a lot of issues: childhood, family, religion, community, and kindness.
Recommended books: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle and Wise Blood: A Novel by Flannery O’Connor
Rating: ***
Panorama of the Mountains 